Suggestions for a bear defense shotgun

[Doolittlethehyena]

I am looking at getting a shotgun to pack for bear defense while I'm hiking. I like the simplicity of something like a side by side although a pump would have a faster reaction time but probably weigh more. What are your thoughts

 

[guntech]

A smooth 12 gauge pump with a 20 inch barrel... practice pumping and shooting it fast and accurately at 5 yard targets

 

[valczer]

Dont you watch the news?

Trudeau and his libs, said Canadians can not use firearms for self protection


Churchill shockwave( not the mossberg, it doubled in price just a while ago) 12 gauge with solid slug rated for bear comes to mind…

 

[M&P 40]

A 22 gauge is apparently all you need according to the Lieberal’s.

 

[hoytcanon]

Sorry, there is a moratorium on Bear Defense threads for 2022... lock this thread down until January 1st, 2023.

 

[justachip]

I have a model 12 with a 20 inch barrel that works well but I like the sxs for simplicity.You can't short stroke the sxs. We keep the sxs in the camper when in the bush. The wife likes the sxs better because it is easy put two shells in and squeeze the trigger. The short shot shells are perfect for practice and the short slugs should solve any problem that could come along. If it was just me packing it I would use the full size shells.

 

[Licensed to kill]

Take a liberal that you can easily outrun when you go hiking.

 

[brybenn]

A pump won't be as fast as a sxs. If a bear charges you won't have time to worry about that 3rd shot anyway

 

[trebor2880]

A pump won't be as fast as a sxs. If a bear charges you won't have time to worry about that 3rd shot anyway

First two shots could wound it enough to slow it down, so you could give it the killing third shot.

 

[nadair20]

My 870 with a 12.5" barrel and "ghost ring" sights firing slugs is just about the ideal bear defense firearm imo.

 

[Hungry]

I love any Bear Defense Threads here on CGN. I learn a tonne from all of you.

After 2 hip replacements, I can’t outrun anyone, so Marlin 1895 Trapper TSBL has to do it for me. 5 + 1 = .45-70 love!!

Peace Be The Journey!

Cheers, Barney

 

[guy329]

Take a liberal that you can easily outrun when you go hiking.

For the win!

 

[MiG25]

A reliable semi auto with a ~19" barrel. Unless one spends a lot of time developing muscle memory any sort of manual action is not the best.

 

[john777]

Tagging along. I'm looking for a bear defense shotgun too.

 

[8ball]

A simple Mossberg 590 18" bead sight loaded with slugs for me will do the job.

 

[Cteve]

Can't beat the protection an M4 offers, but a 870 would work. I like ghost ring sights.

 

[canadaman30]

A dog

 

[rhino62]

Take a liberal that you can easily outrun when you go hiking.

That is very good advice! I ran into a very large bear at night, when going to shut my chickens in and I had my two female dogs with me and before I took of running I heard one dog say to the other "bite him in the ankle!"

 

[Brutus]

Can't beat the protection an M4 offers, but a 870 would work. I like ghost ring sights.

A comparable M-37 Ithaca in 12 gauge is almost always about one pound lighter. Hard to go wrong with a 20 inch barrel and full length magazine. Even 18.5 or 20 inches of barrel and the shorter 4 shot magazine is sufficient personal insurance.

 

[rhino62]

I love any Bear Defense Threads here on CGN. I learn a tonne from all of you.

After 2 hip replacements, I can’t outrun anyone, so Marlin 1895 Trapper TSBL has to do it for me. 5 + 1 = .45-70 love!!

Peace Be The Journey!

Cheers, Barney

12 gauge with number 9 works well on wasp nests in trees!